Reds Xtra: The mailbag is overflowing with queries about Bailey, Harvey, Lorenzen

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Matt Harvey (32) delivers a pitch in the top of the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, June 21, 2018.(Photo: Sam Greene)

We go to the Twitter/email mailbag today. Queries on the usual subjects (Homer Bailey, Matt Harvey) came in along with a whole lot questions about Michael Lorenzen.

Also got a question with the word “goon” in it for the first time in my career, so I’ve got that going for me.

From Pat M.: What are the odds Bailey has pitched his last pitch for the Cincinnati Reds?

A: Almost none. He could very well replace Harvey in the rotation if the Reds do trade Harvey. There’s little lose by riding out this year with Bailey. I will say if his next couple of starts in Triple-A aren’t good, they should go back to plan to pitch him in relief.

From Craig W.: Chances the Reds have Harvey after the deadline?

A: Again, almost none. Harvey’s free agent. He’s increased his trade value with his last two starts — 12 1/3 innings, three runs against contenders. It makes sense to flip him unless he’s willing to sign a club-friendly deal. His agent, Scott Boras, doesn’t specialize in those.

From MHL: Is there ever any talk about trying Lorenzen as a starter again?

A: The last time Riggleman was asked about that, he pointed out that Lorenzen gout hurt in 2016 and this year trying to get ready as a starter. The trend in baseball is showing the value of multiple inning-relievers. My guess is Lorenzen stays in that role because his hitting ability means you don’t have to pinch hit for him.

From Lawrence H.: It is way past time for the Reds to put a bat in Lorenzen’s hands as often as possible. Also, they are foolish not to look at him as a starter after they trade Harvey. I would also put Phillip Ervin in center for a solid month or look at Vladimir Guerrero's nephew, Gabriel.

A: I agree that Lorenzen should hit as often as possible. See above about him starting. Now is the wrong time to bench Billy Hamilton. If he continues to hit (.341 over his last 12 games), he increases his trade value. Ervin is a .250 career hitter in the minors. (Hamilton hit .280 in the minors). And Ervin would be a severe step down defensively from Hamilton. I haven’t seen enough of Guerrero to judge.

From Dave: What's the best Reds brawl you've witnessed?

A: The one with the St. Louis Cardinals was the nastiest. It was a big team moment with Scott Rolen went after his friend Chris Carpenter. My favorite was Philadelphia’s Mike Lieberthal tackling Adam Dunn from behind when Dunn was charging the mound to get Jose Mesa. Mesa should have given his pay that day to Lieberthal.

From Dreamer: Hypothetically, who would be the goon on the Reds?

A: They’d bring back Jonny Gomes.

From John K.: Is Eric Thames the new Rickie Weeks?

A: I think what Thames has done is more astonishing. Weeks was a .246 career hitter, and he hit .278 vs. the Reds. He hit 13 percent (21 of 161) of his home runs against the Reds. Thames is a .247 career hitter. He’s hitting .329 against the Reds. He’s hit 22 percent of home runs (14 of 63) against the Reds. That’s through the first inning of Saturday’s game. Thames went yard while I was typing.

From Nicholas H.: What are your thoughts on Dilson Herrera? Is he traded at the deadline or does he have a future with Cincinnati somewhere? He’s tearing it up in AAA right now.

A: He’s hot, but I wouldn’t say he’s treating it up. He ’s hitting .299 with six home runs and 23 RBI in 45 games for the Bats. I don’t see him having great trade value. He’s limited to second defensively. That position is blocked with the Reds.

From Steve B.: Again why would the Reds trade players? Enough! Keep trading and rebuilding gets you 8,000 people a night. Stop the nonsense. Rookie Davis anyone?

A: You are referring the Aroldis Chapman trade. Rookie Davis is the only player left from that. Obviously, that’s not a winner. President of the baseball operations Dick Williams said the Reds would look to add at the deadline, i.e., build rather than rebuild.

From Robbie S.: Do you think Anthony DeSclafani has decent trade value? I mean enough to bring meaningful prospects and not just throwaways.

A: I think his value would be limited by his injury history. If he can stay healthy, he can be a big part of the rotation in 2019. I’d be stunned if the Reds traded him.

From Leslie: You think the Reds have made progress?

A: When you go from 3-18 to 34-48, that’s progress. It shows that they don’t have to restart the rebuild. Do they have to add talent to get where they want to do? Absolutely. But the core is much better than the start indicated.